Why Accurate Measurement Matters
Ordering the wrong amount of laminate flooring is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes in flooring projects. Too little means a trip back to the store (and potentially a different dye lot); too much wastes money.
Tools You’ll Need
- Tape measure (25 ft minimum)
- Notepad and pencil
- Calculator (or use our square feet calculator)
Step 1: Sketch Your Room
Draw a rough outline of the room, marking all walls, doorways, closets, and any built-ins. You don’t need to be an artist — just note every corner.
Step 2: Measure Length and Width
For rectangular rooms:
- Measure the longest wall (length)
- Measure the perpendicular wall (width)
- Multiply: Length × Width = Square footage
Example: 16 ft × 12 ft = 192 sq ft
Step 3: Handle Irregular Shapes
For L-shaped or complex rooms, break the space into rectangles:
- Divide the room into two or more rectangles
- Calculate each area separately
- Add all areas together
Step 4: Add the Waste Factor
Always add extra for cuts and waste:
- Standard straight install: 10%
- Diagonal install: 15%
- Herringbone pattern: 20%
Formula: Total sq ft × (1 + waste%) = Material to order
Example: 192 sq ft × 1.10 = 211.2 sq ft (order 215)
Step 5: Don’t Forget These Areas
- Closets: Measure and add separately
- Under stair landings: Often forgotten
- Bay windows: Measure the full floor depth
- Around fireplaces: Measure and subtract the hearth
Using Our Calculator
Once you have your measurements, plug them into our cost calculator for an instant project estimate. The “Extra Area” field is perfect for adding closet or alcove measurements.